Dodgers, Fox Sports head into OT on TV talks

Juan Rivera hits a home run in the Dodgers' 2012 season finale as Giants… (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images )

The exclusive negotiating window for Fox Sports to negotiate a new television contract with the Dodgers expired Friday, but the two sides are expected to continue talks on a deal that could be worth more than $6 billion over 25 years.

There was no indication Friday that the parties had agreed to extend the exclusive negotiating window. However, the Dodgers remain hopeful they can finalize a deal with Fox and are not planning immediate solicitation of other offers, according to a person familiar with the discussions.

Assuming the exclusive window has not been extended, the Dodgers must provide Fox with a final offer by Dec. 7. Fox would then have 30 days to accept or reject the offer.

In the meantime, the Dodgers can consider other options, most notably Time Warner Cable SportsNet.

TWC has made no secret of its intent to bid for the Dodgers if the opportunity arises. TWC signed the Lakers for a guaranteed $3.6 billion over 20 years, with options that could make the deal worth $5 billion over 25 years. That deal pays the Lakers straight cash, via an annual rights fee.

The Dodgers' proposed deal with Fox would not pay the team straight cash but would provide the team with a substantial ownership stake in Prime Ticket.